1988 BMW 520 vs. 1956 MG MGA
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1956 MG MGA. (71 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1956 MG MGA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 670 kg more than 1956 MG MGA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 MG MGA. (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 MG MGA. 1988 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1956 MG MGA has manual transmission. 1956 MG MGA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1956 MG MGA | |
| Make | BMW | MG |
| Model | 520 | MGA |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1956 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 16 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.9 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
